Dairy-based candy production utilizing plate and frame assembly

Abstract

An efficient method for the continuous production of a dairy-based confection prevents protein burning and precipitation during processing. The method comprises heating an aqueous sugar composition to at least its boiling point in a first heat exchanger, admixing a dairy component with the boiling, aqueous sugar composition after it exits the first heat exchanger to form a dairy-based mass, and cooking the dairy-based mass to a desired final temperature in a second heat exchanger, without substantial separation or precipitation of the protein within the second heat exchanger. The first and second heat exchangers are preferably plate and frame heat exchangers. The solids content of the dairy-based mass is preferably increased prior to entering the second heat exchanger and again after leaving the second heat exchanger. The solids content of the cooked, dairy-based mass is increased to at least about 88% by weight, preferably at least about 90% by weight. An apparatus for practicing the method of the present invention is also disclosed.

1 - 26 . (canceled)  
   
   
       27 . Apparatus for the continuous production of a dairy-based confection comprising: 
 a) a heating vessel for dissolving sugars and forming an aqueous sugar composition,    b) a first plate and frame heat exchanger for boiling said sugar composition, said first exchanger comprising an input for receiving said aqueous sugar composition, and an output for removal of boiling aqueous sugar composition,    c) a mixing pipe for transporting said boiling aqueous sugar composition to a second plate and frame heat exchanger, said mixing pipe having a dairy component injection port for receiving a dairy component which is mixed with said boiling sugar composition in the mixing pipe to obtain a dairy-based mass,    d) a second plate and frame heat exchanger for receiving said dairy-based mass and for heating said dairy-based mass to a desired cook temperature, and    e) a vessel connected to the output of said second heat exchanger for receiving boiling dairy-based mass and for increasing the solids content of the dairy-based mass to obtain a dairy-based confection.    
   
   
       28 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 27  further comprising a flashing tank connected to said mixing pipe downstream of said injection port, said flashing tank receiving dairy-based mass and increasing the solids content of said dairy-based mass prior to entry into said second heat exchanger.  
   
   
       29 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 27  wherein said vessel is open to the atmosphere.  
   
   
       30 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 28  wherein said flashing tank is open to the atmosphere.  
   
   
       31 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 28  wherein said vessel and said flashing tank are open to the atmosphere.  
   
   
       32 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 27  wherein said vessel is under vacuum.  
   
   
       33 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 27  further comprising a gelatin injection port in a conduit connecting said second heat exchanger and said vessel.  
   
   
       34 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 27  further comprising a candy pulling machine for receiving said cooked, dairy-based mass and for pulling and cooling the dairy-based mass into a dairy-based confection.  
   
   
       35 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 27  further comprising an extruder for receiving said cooked, dairy-based mass and for extruding and forming the dairy-based mass into a dairy-based confection.  
   
   
       36 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 27  further comprising a mold for receiving said cooked, dairy-based mass and for molding the dairy-based mass into a dairy-based confection.